09 Aug Head to Help | You are not alone

The constant changes in restrictions, including going in and out of lockdown, can make us feel uncertain, anxious, sad, and stressed. It is OK to feel like this and ask for help.

“You are not alone.”

In Australia we are very fortunate to have different mental health organisation to turn to and get help; Beyondblue, Lifeline, Headspace, The Black Dog Institute to name a few, but this could also be overwhelming, especially if we are already in a state of anxiety and if we’ve never felt like this or asked for help before.

Or you might be a carer or friend who wants to help someone who has never felt this way before or already has a clinically diagnosed mental health condition (please note you may need to get the person’s consent).

This is where HeadtoHelp can help.

HeadtoHelp is a collaborative initiative of Victoria’s Primary Health Networks and funded by the Australian Government. It supports Victorians of all ages and can assist in taking the first steps towards finding the mental health and wellbeing support that’s best for you.

When you call HeadtoHelp on 1800 595 212, an experienced mental health professional will listen and work with you to find the best ways to get the help you need.

Depending on your needs, you may:

• be connected with suitable existing services
• receive care at a HeadtoHelp hub, either onsite or through telehealth
• be connected to specialist or acute mental health services, including into emergency care.

Please note that HeadtoHelp is not a crisis service, as they are only available:

8.30am – 5pm Monday – Friday (except public holidays).

If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others, please call Triple Zero (000).

And for urgent 24/7 support, please call:

Lifeline Tel: 131 114
Beyondblue Tel: 1300 224 636
Suicide call back service Tel: 1300 659 467
1800RESPECT Tel: 1800 737 732

And please remember, that as we journey through the difficult times, we can find meaning in caring for, and offering hope to, each other, our families, and communities. It is a reminder of what we do have, it reconnects us to one another and reminds us that we are all in this together. There is a newfound appreciation for living in a small community where there is overwhelming compassion and support for one another.

We often know people in the community well enough to recognise they are struggling, but there are not always tell-tale signs.

Everyone deals with challenging times differently and we can reach out to each other and ask “R U OK?.” That simple question and a conversation has the power to change someone’s life for the better. We can be a listening ear and a (virtual) shoulder to lean on.

Please continue to be mindful of yourself and others, mentally and physically and keep checking in on family members, friends, neighbours, and yourself. Let’s make time to look out for one another, be kind and stay connected.